Historica Marker: Wisconsins Maritime Trails: Historic Shipwreck: Schooner Gallinipper is located in Sheboygan, WI, USA. The schooner Gallinipper was reported as a total loss by the Lake Casualty List for 1851, with an estimated value of $3,000 and insured for $2,000. Discovered in 1994, it was found when a commercial fisherman snagged his nets on the previously unknown wreck.

The Schooner Gallinipper represents a significant part of Sheboygans maritime history. This historic shipwreck tells us not only about the citys past but also about the wider story of Wisconsins shipping industry in the mid-19th century. Built and operated during a time when wooden ships were still the norm, it was a working vessel that plied its trade on the Great Lakes until its tragic end.

Imagine a bustling harbor in 1851, where the Gallinipper would have been tied up among other schooners and steamships. You can almost hear the cries of seagulls and smell the saltwater mingling with the scent of freshly cut lumber from nearby mills. The ships would have transported goods such as timber, grain, and minerals across the vastness of the Great Lakes, helping to build towns and cities along their shores.

When the Gallinipper was lost, it marked a poignant moment in time for its crew and owners. While some shipwrecks were fated to remain undiscovered for centuries, the Gallinippers fate changed when a curious fisherman snagged his nets on its remains 143 years later. His discovery brought the story of this historic vessel back into the public eye, reminding us of the rich maritime history hidden beneath the waves of Lake Michigan.

As you stand by the waters where the Schooner Gallinipper once sailed, close your eyes and listen to the echoes of history. Picture the gallant ship slicing through waves under a clear blue sky, carrying precious cargo that would help shape the destinies of towns and cities along the shores of the Great Lakes. Let your imagination take you back in time, soaking up the vibrant sights, sounds, and stories that make Wisconsins Maritime Trails such an enchanting journey through our past.